The Dutchman is understood to be a huge admirer of the former Tottenham star and is allegedly willing to smash the record British transfer fee to land the Welshman.

Bale, who joined Real in the summer of 2013, is reportedly keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer.

But Redknapp believes the winger - who has become a target for the Madrid boo-boys in recent weeks - should reject the advances of United and stay at the Bernabeu.

When pressed on Bale's future, Redknapp said: "Yeah, I’d like to see him stay there. For me, he’s still in the best five players in the world, there’s no doubt about that.

PLEA: Redknapp has urged Bale to stay at Real Madrid [GETTY]

“I’d like to see him stay there”

Jamie Redknapp

“He’s getting a bit of stick from the fans and he’s playing with Ronaldo, who wants to be and is the number one at the club.

“Gareth has been used to going through on goal and getting his shot away, but if Ronaldo is square, he’s maybe got to the stage where he thinks, ‘oh I better give it to him.’ He’s not really playing his own game.

“He’s got the character [to come back from the criticism], he showed that when he first went out to Spain –he was excellent in his first season.

“He’s just come under severe pressure for not having such a great time this year.

“[But] if he did come back to England, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have in my team. He’s a fantastic player, he’s got absolutely everything. He’s an amazing talent.”